apan J JOURNEYS WITH HEART PRESENTS Kon’nichiwa ‘LAND OF THE RISING SUN’ Travel to Japan with your celebrity guest host John Bishop, chef, cookbook author and acclaimed restaurateur – a country of culture and cuisine *13 Days - Starting May, 07, 2017 Fundraising tour for The BC Centre for Ability ** Departure from Canada DAY 01 - MAY 07 - YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS Board your overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan (not included) DAY 02 - MAY 08 - ARRIVAL AT KIX AIRPORT - KYOTO D Upon arrival in Tokyo, Japan at Kansai International Airport, group will be met by a local English speaking guide and will be transferred by private chartered coach to Kyoto. Kyoto is Japan’s most beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage possessing 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is known as the “City of 10,000 shrines” because there are 2000 religious sites (mainly Buddhist). Other major attractions are Kyoto’s palaces and gardens plus its old and colorful neighborhoods. Upon arrival, check in for the next three nights at centrally located, modern hotel. Welcome dinner is included at the hotel tonight. Overnight in Kyoto at Granvia Hotel http://www.granvia-kyoto.co.jp/ Hotel Granvia Kyoto is an integral part of the JR Kyoto Station Building Complex, the visually striking architectural masterpiece which also includes a department store, museum, musical theater, and a vast underground shopping mall. This sprawling, polished hotel features interiors filled with modern art. Dining options include upscale French and Italian restaurants, plus tempura and teppanyaki eateries. There’s a rooftop bar and a warm lounge, plus an indoor pool, a fitness center and a sauna. Non-smoking floors are also available on advance request. Wireless internet access is complimentary in all the guest rooms. DAY 03 - MAY 09 - KYOTO - FULL DAY EXPERIENCE B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then you will be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide who will take group on a full day tour by private chartered Coach around Kyoto. Highlights include: Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. It is one of the most popular buildings in Japan, attracting a large number of visitors annually. It is designated as a National Special Historic Site and a National Special Landscape, and it is one of 17 locations making up the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which are World Heritage Sites. Next visit the Nishiki Market, a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Nishiki Market has a pleasant, but busy atmosphere that is inviting to those who want to explore the variety of culinary delights that Kyoto is famous for. The stores found throughout the market range in size from small narrow stalls to larger two story shops. Most specialize in a particular type of food, and almost everything sold at the market is locally produced and procured. Take some time to enjoy Lunch at a local Japanese restaurant This afternoon, group will have a Kimono Wearing Experience. Visit with a Geisha, female professional entertainers who perform traditional Japanese arts and learn about their culture. Girls who wish to become a geisha have to go through a rigid apprenticeship during which they learn various traditional arts such as playing instruments, singing, dancing, but also conversation and other social skills. In Kyoto, geisha apprentices are called “maiko”. Geisha are dressed in a kimono, and their faces are made up very pale. Stroll in Gion Area, a district of Kyoto, originally developed in the middle Ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. The district was built to accommodate the needs of travelers and visitors to the shrine. It eventually evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan. The geisha in the Gion district (and Kyoto generally) do not refer to themselves as geisha; instead, Gion geisha use the local term geiko. While the term geisha means “artist” or “person of the arts”, the more direct term geiko means essentially “a child of the arts” or “a woman of art”. KON’NICHIWA JAPAN – ‘LAND OF THE RISING SUN’ End the night with a Japanese dinner at a local restaurant (Shabushabu) with Maiko Performance Return to hotel on foot. Overnight in Kyoto at Granvia Hotel to Hiroshima. Dinner is included tonight at a local Japanese restaurant and then group can walk back to the hotel at leisure. Overnight in Hiroshima at Sheraton Grand Hotel DAY 04 - MAY 10 - KYOTO - FULL DAY EXPERIENCE DAY 07 - MAY 13 - HIROSHIMA-NAGOYA - TSUMAGO - MAGOME - TAKAYAMA B, L, D B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then you will be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide who will take group on another full day tour by private chartered coach for Kyoto. Highlights include: Start with a visit to the colorful Fushimi Inari Shrine, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity before visiting the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery for a sake tasting. Today group will have a local Japanese lunch at a temple. Breakfast at the hotel and then group will check out and be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide, Walk to Hiroshima Station and transfer to Nagoya Station by bullet train. On arrival in Nagoya, group will then transfer by private chartered coach for Tsumago & Magome for a full day tour Enjoy time travel and slip back to the Edo Period. Tsumago is the first area designated as a national preservation district of important traditional structures. It is known today as one of the best preserved post towns in Japan. This afternoon group will take part in a Zazen experience at Shorinji Temple. Zazen is a particular kind of meditation and part of Zen Buddhism. The aim is to reach enlightenment. In this practice, trainees sit with their legs crossed and their backs straightened (lotus position) as they meditate. The legendary Bodhidharma is the founder of Zen Buddhism and famous for Zazen. End the day with Japanese Sweets Making Experience before returning back to the hotel. Tonight a Japanese dinner is included at a local restaurant. After dinner, walk back to the hotel. 5km south of Tsumago, stands 800m up in the hills above the Kiso valley is Magome. With its buildings perched on a steep slope, Magome means “horse basket”, because this is was where travelers were forced to leave their bags before tackling the mountainous stretch of road ahead. Plaster and wooden buildings line either side of the stone-flagged path, many of the wooden roofs are still held down by stone Overnight in Kyoto at Granvia Hotel DAY 05 - MAY 11 - KYOTO - HIROSHIMA B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then group will check out and be met in the hotel by the local English speaking guide who will transfer you this morning from hotel to Kyoto Station. Group will travel by bullet train to Hiroshima Station. Hiroshima although widely known as the city destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima is now a modern, cosmopolitan city, featuring excellent cuisine and a bustling nightlife. Hiroshima had been declared the City of Peace in 1969 by the Japanese parliament and now receives more international attention as a desirable location for holding international conferences on peace as well as social issues. Group will be met and taken on a full day tour of Hiroshima by private chartered coach and, highlights include: A quick visit to the historic Japanese garden in the city of Hiroshima, Shukkeien Garden before lunch at a local Japanese restaurant. This afternoon visit the Peace Memorial Museum located in the Peace Memorial Park, one of the most prominent features in Hiroshima. Previous to its construction, the area was the financial and political heart of Hiroshima, thereby making it the prime target for bombing on August 6th, 1945. Group will see the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of Peace Memorial Park’s features. With only the partially-standing structure and skeletal ruins left after the bomb attack, this domed building is now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Group will then transfer to the hotel and check in for the next two nights. A buffet dinner is included tonight at the Hotel Overnight in Hiroshima at Sheraton Grand Hotel Group will have lunch at a local Japanese restaurant and then enjoy time walking around this town. After lunch, continue onward and stop at the picturesque Nezameno-toko, a natural rock formation created by the Kisogawa River’s flow wearing away the rocks surrounding it. Due to the grandeur of its scenery, Nezame-no-toko is a Nationally Designated Scenic Spot. The contrast between the emerald green water and the pure white granite rocks is simply beautiful. Upon arrival in your hotel check in for the next two nights and enjoy a Japanese dinner at the hotel. This hotel is a new style of hote. On top of the building, the panoramic view baths, including outdoor bath and 3 private baths are available. Inside the hotel are decorated with Japanese style interiors. Guests will be welcomed with “hot spring”, “Tatami mats” and “Japanese hospitality”. Overnight in Hotel Associa Takayama Resort http://www.associa.com/english/tky/ Hotel is located in Japanese Alps. All the rooms have a panoramic view of the Japanese Alps, and the interior decoration of the spacious rooms combines the gentleness of nature with an elegant atmosphere to evoke a unique, woodland atmosphere. DAY 08 - MAY 14 - TAKAYAMA - SHIRAKAWAGO-TAKAYAMA B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then group will be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide who will take group a full day tour by Private chartered coach for Takayama & Shirakawago. Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. To differentiate it from other places named Takayama, the city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama. It retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. It now ranks as a top destination among travelers wishing to add a rural element into their itineraries and is closed to the Japan Alps Visit the Miyagawa Open Air Market, a combination of a food and flea market. Walk down Kami-sannomachi Street in the old town, visit Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Museum) http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/ The Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, is conveniently located near top shopping and government offices. It is also in close proximity to the bullet train, highways, and bus terminals. Their 238 spacious guest rooms, including five suites, are designed with your needs in mind. Decorated with contemporary western furnishings, they include the celebrated Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience, a 37” Flat Screen Television, DVD player, and High Speed Internet Access. Wired High Speed Internet Access (Complimentary) NOTE: *Your suitcase will be delivered separately from Kyoto to Nagoya in separate truck, 1 piece(s) of luggage per pax *Pack an overnight bag for 2 nights. DAY 06 - MAY 12 - HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA- HIROSHIMA North Pacific Ocean B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then group will be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide who will take group on a full day tour by private chartered coach for Miyajima. Miyajima Islands is part of Hiroshima Prefecture, featuring various art galleries, parks, and museums. Take the Miyajima ferry to the island of Itsukushima, off the coast of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a Shinto shrine best known for its “floating” torii gate. Enjoy a Japanese lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon visit Miyajima Misen Daisyoin, a historic Japanese temple on Mount Misen, the holy mountain on the island. JAPAN Takayama Sea of Japan 2 nights Suwako Tokyo 1 night 1 night Kyoto Hiroshima 3 nights 1 night Hakone 2 nights Take the Miyajima Ropeway which operates two types of aerial ropeway systems, circulating and funicular in series, which is unique in Japan. As if walking in the sky, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and primeval forest. Afterwards group will take the ferry back and then return KON’NICHIWA JAPAN – ‘LAND OF THE RISING SUN’ Pacific Ocean DAY 11 - MAY 17 - HAKONE-KAMAKURA-TOKYO Continue onward about a one hour drive and visit Shirakawago, here you will enjoy a local lunch. Shirakawago, a traditional village best known for showcasing a building style known as gasshō-zukuri It is located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only examples of their kind in Japan. Visit to one of the houses which is part museum and part family home, the Wada house. Later return back to the hotel and group will have dinner included at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. Overnight in Takayama at Associa Takayama Resort DAY 09 - MAY 15 - TAKAYAMA - MATSUMOTO - SUWAKO B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then group will check out and be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide who take group on a full day tour by private chartered coach for Matsumoto. Matsumoto is designated as a Special City and is surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views and has several historic features Today group will visit the Daio Wasabi Farm, a wasabi farm established in 1915. It is a popular tourist spot due to its beautiful watermills and for the river that runs through it. Enjoy a Japanese lunch at the Ishii Miso Factory. Ishii Miso Co, Ltd was founded in 1868 (the end of the Edo era) and is still producing miso by a unique traditional natural method. Enjoy an authentic experience and lesson on Miso making. Next visit the historic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s premier historic castles. The building is also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior. Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers, but on a plain. Its complete defenses would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats, and gatehouses. Next transfer to Kamakura, a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo with numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments. In addition, Kamakura’s sand beaches attract large crowds during the summer months. On arrival enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and visit Hase Temple, Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple. Next transfer to Tokyo. Japan’s sprawling, busy capital, and offers a mix of the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to cherry trees in season and serene temples. Due to the major earthquake in 1923 and the destruction from the 2nd World War, many of the city’s buildings are modern and contemporary architecturally. Arrive at your hotel and check in for the next three nights. Japanese dinner at a local restaurant is included tonight. Overnight in Hyatt Regency - Deluxe View room https://tokyo.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/our-hotel.html Hotel is located in Shinjuku, a thriving business, shopping and entertainment district and home to the most select Tokyo hotels and close to several landmarks in Tokyo. A courtesy bus to and from Shinjuku Station is included. A convenience store, beauty salon and barber shop and a Michelin-awarded French restaurant are inside the hotel. The deluxe room type offers panoramic views of Shinjuku Central Park or skyline, an elegant 33-sq.-metre room featuring soothing and modern Japanese décor. After the tour, arrive at your ryokan and check in for one night. A Japanese dinner is included at Ryokan in a tatami room, where group will sit on a mat used as a flooring material in traditional Japanese-style rooms. A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn that originated in the Edo period, when such inns served travelers along Japan’s highways. They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner. Overnight at Hotel Saginoyu http://www.saginoyu.com/english Hotel Saginoyu, an old and establish hotel built in 1905. With over 100 years of rich history, the hotel is imprinted in Japan’s history with visits from famous calligraphers, artists, and poets. Built next to Lake Suwa, gives a great view from the hotel. The waters used in the hot springs of the hotel are from the natural resources found in the land around the agriculture area. Japanese style tatami rooms and Japanese garden with perfect view for each season will help you relax and enjoy outstanding natural beauty. Relaxing Japanese-style rooms for all guests with the Japanese Style futon mattresses on floor, Free WiFi in public areas, Japanese style breakfast. DAY 10 - MAY 16 - SUWAKO-HAKONE B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then group will check out and be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide who take group on a full day tour by private chartered coach around Hakone and then onto Kamakura Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum which exhibits western and Japanese sculptures of the 19th and 20th century within a park like setting. B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then group will check out and be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide who take you on a full day tour by private chartered coach for Hakone. Transfer to Hakone is approx. 3h 30min. Hakone is set amid beautiful mountains and situated within the volcanically-active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is famous for its hot spring resort region, attracting many Japanese and international visitors. Lunch is included is a buffet lunch at local restaurant. Afterwards, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and enjoy the natural surroundings. Next group will take a cable car ride up Mt. Komagatake Ropeway to the best site for providing magnificent views of Mount Fiji and Lake Ashi. Afterwards continue to Hakone and on arrival check into the hotel for one night. A Western dinner at hotel is included. Overnight at Hakone Hotel http://www.hakonehotel.jp/en/index.html The Hakone Hotel is a resort hotel located in the popular resort area by Lake Ashi with views of the peak of Mt. Fuji. The rooms are overlooking the courtyard and provide views of the verdant banks of Lake Ashi. KON’NICHIWA JAPAN – ‘LAND OF THE RISING SUN’ DAY 13 - MAY 19 - TOKYO - FULL DAY EXPERIENCE B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then be met at the hotel (approx. 9:00 am) by the local English Speaking guide and be taken on a last full day tour by private chartered coach around Tokyo, highlights include: Visit Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Then on to Kappabashi Street, a shopping street, which is lined with several dozens of stores selling everything needed by restaurant operators, with the exception of fresh food. A humongous Chef’s head greets you at the south end of Kappabashi Street, the heart of Kitchenware Town. This is “the” restaurant and kitchen supply shopping district located between two major touristy areas, Ueno and Asakusa. A great place for souvenir shopping, you will find specialized stores for dishes, pots, pans, cooking utensils, stoves, tables, chairs, signs, lanterns and more. There are also a few stores which sell plastic and wax food samples, used by many restaurants in their show windows. Lunch today is with local families where you can interact with a local Japanese family while helping make a Japanese lunch and enjoy eating with them. Afterwards visit Ueno Ameyoko Market, one of the best Asian Bazaars, here you will find a little bit of everything, and much of it at bargain basement prices. Once a black market, it has become one of Tokyo’s most vibrant places with a huge array of food, clothing, jewellery, toys and cosmetics. You can buy anything from the latest pair of jeans to seaweed or pickled octopus tentacles. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for then head next to Akihabara, the Electric City. The area houses thousands of shops selling every technological gadget you can imagine. After touring and shopping head back to the hotel and freshen up before you are picked up and head out for Sushi Farewell Dinner Overnight in Tokyo Note: The Tsukiji market is expected to close and move to a new site in Toyosu in the near future (the move was originally scheduled for November 2016, but then delayed indefinitely by the governor). DAY 14 - MAY 20 - TOKYO - DEPARTURE - NRT B Breakfast at the hotel and then check out (Check out at 11:00A). In time group will be transferred to the airport for their return flight home. Private chartered coach from hotel to Narita International Airport. DAY 12 - MAY 18 - TOKYO - FULL DAY EXPERIENCE B, L, D Breakfast at the hotel and then group be met at the hotel by the local English speaking guide and taken on a full day tour by private chartered coach for Tokyo, highlights include: Tsukiji Outer Market, a large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, meat, produce and flowers in Tokyo. It is best known as one of the world’s largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. The sight of the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market a major tourist attractions Enjoy a Japanese lunch at local restaurant with Sushi Making Workshop. After lunch visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, located in Shibuya, is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Head to Harajuku & Omotesando. Harajuku is the common name given to a geographic area spreading from Harajuku Station to Omotesando. Harajuku is known internationally as a center of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Shopping and dining options include many small, youth oriented, independent boutiques and cafés, but the neighbourhood also attracts many larger international chain stores with high-end luxury merchandisers extensively represented along Omotesando. Return and arrive at hotel and then go for a Japanese dinner at a local restaurant. Return to hotel on foot. Overnight in Tokyo Note: The Tsukiji market is expected to close and move to a new site in Toyosu in the near future (the move was originally scheduled for November 2016, but then delayed indefinitely by the governor). KON’NICHIWA JAPAN – ‘LAND OF THE RISING SUN’ BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! TOUR DATE: May 7* - 20, 2017 EARLY BOOKING OFFER! DEPOSIT BY NOVEMBER 30, 2016 AND SAVE! DOUBLE: C$8674.00 P.P. SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: + C$1879.00 (*departure from Canada) JOHN BISHOP **GUARANTEED DEPARTURE WITH 20 GUESTS SMALL GROUP Acclaimed Restaurateur, Chef, & Cookbook Author John Bishop has been in and around kitchens since his early teens. Born in Britain, John attended hotel school in Wales and served his apprenticeship at a private London club. After ten years as a chef in Ireland, John came to Canada in 1973 to further his culinary career. In 1985 he launched the restaurant that bears his name. Located in Vancouver, Bishop’s was an immediate success. As Bishops Restaurant celebrates its 30th anniversary (2015) John continues to garner accolades today for his fresh regional and seasonal fare. In Chef Bishop’s view, it makes sense to showcase British Columbia’s lush bounty of seafood, organic produce and meats. His exquisite West Side restaurant blends classic and modern flavours with a casual elegance for a truly exceptional dining experience that keeps clients coming back. PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES: • • • • • • • • • 12 Nights hotel accommodation as per itinerary based on twin share All transfers and transportation is by private, air-conditioned coach with driver/guide on group basis Arrival Meet & Greet guide assistance on group basis, Departure guide assistance Sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary Local English Speaking Guide Local taxes on accommodation and sightseeing tours Meals as indicated on itinerary (B-full breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) – 12 B, 11 L, 12 D 1st class seats on Bullet Trains Separate Luggage Transfer from Kyoto to Nagoya (1 piece per person) TO THE BC CENTRE FOR ABILITY – www.bc-cfa.org Tax receipt will be issued The BC Centre for Ability has been serving children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families throughout British Columbia since 1969. The BCCFA prides itself on using evidence based interventions to provide services to clients in their own homes or in the communities they live in. The Centre builds strong partnerships with families, following the principles of family and personcentred practice to empower persons with disabilities, enhancing their abilities to fully participate in all aspects of community life. Programs delivered by the Centre ranges from infancy to adulthood, including early intervention therapy, social emotional programs, short-term acute brain injury rehabilitation, supported child development and vocational services. With your support, the Centre will continue to grow, develop and enhance its programs to better serve the needs of its clients and their families, building capacity to embrace an inclusive community that values the contributions of every citizen. www.bc-cfa.org Pre and post night rates available upon request Overall, tipping in Japan is not customary. Respect and politeness is expected at all times, and if your tip is refused, do not to be offended. If you insist on leaving a tip in your hotel and are unsure what the appropriate method is, check with your concierge or hotel receptionist. Accommodations – the standard of accommodations are varied throughout from luxury-first class hotels to a Japanese style resort. Please note – smoking is still common in Japan. In general, smoking is prohibited in public places except in designated smoking areas. Every effort will be made to secure non-smoking rooms for the group at the hotels. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered at all the hotels featured. TO BOOK THIS TOUR, PLEASE CONTACT: Exclusions in above land only prices: • • • • • • • • ADDITIONAL: C$500 PER PERSON DIRECT DONATION All airfares, departure taxes & fuel surcharges, Seat Selection Personal items Meals unless listed in itinerary, Drinks with meals Tips & Gratuities Optional Tours Early check-in & late check out of rooms Travel Insurance Visa/passport handling fees save your spot: [email protected] Jenny Karmali, Travel Concepts #103—3151 Woodbine Dr., North Vancouver, BC V7R 2S4 Tel: (778) 945-9007 Email: [email protected] www.journeyswithheart.com | BPCPA REG# 3404 KON’NICHIWA JAPAN – ‘LAND OF THE RISING SUN’
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